Heart Perception
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of the heart in understanding true theology and identifies the true battle line in the theological war as being elsewhere.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the mystical and spiritual essence of New Testament faith, urging believers to let their worshiping hearts guide their theological understanding. He asserts that a heart filled with love for God can intuitively grasp truths that transcend intellectual comprehension. Tozer argues that the real theological conflict today lies not between fundamentalism and liberalism, but in recognizing the deeper spiritual truths that can only be discerned through a heart illuminated by the Spirit. He calls for a return to a heart-centered approach to faith that prioritizes spiritual insight over mere intellectual debate.
Text
There is a deeply spiritual and thoroughly mystical quality in New Testament religion that we cannot afford to ignore if we would be Christians in fact as well as in name.
I think it well to let our worshiping hearts decide our theological questions. After the purity of the text has been established and the mind assured that the translation is trustworthy, the best source of true light is always the Spirit-illuminated heart. A praying heart, aglow with love for God, will intuit truth, will pass behind the veil and see and hear that which is not lawful to be uttered, which indeed cannot be uttered or even intellectually understood.
It is my opinion that the real battle line in the theological war today is not the line that separates fundamentalism from liberalism. That war has been fought and won. No one need be in any wise confused on the question of Bible theology versus man-conceived liberalism. Both sides have said their say boldly. Everyone can know where he stands on such matters as the inspiration of the Scriptures, the deity of Jesus Christ, salvation through the blood of atonement, death and judgment, heaven and hell. The true battle line is elsewhere.
Sermon Outline
- The Spiritual Quality of New Testament Religion
- The Role of the Heart in Theology
- The True Battle Line in Theological War
- The battle line is not between fundamentalism and liberalism
- The true battle line is elsewhere
Key Quotes
“A praying heart, aglow with love for God, will intuit truth, will pass behind the veil and see and hear that which is not lawful to be uttered, which indeed cannot be uttered or even intellectually understood.” — A.W. Tozer
“It is my opinion that the real battle line in the theological war today is not the line that separates fundamentalism from liberalism.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must not rely solely on our minds to understand theology, but also on our hearts that are aglow with love for God.
- The true battle line in the theological war is not between fundamentalism and liberalism, but elsewhere, and we must be aware of this.
- Our hearts have the ability to intuit truth when we are praying and seeking God.